How do I know if I need psychotherapy? Top
Psychotherapy can help individuals resolve a variety of problems in living. Stress, nervousness, persistent sadness (depression), conflicts with others, work adjustment problems, and parenting concerns are some of the issues and symptoms addressed in psychotherapy. Individuals often need more help than can be provided by their friends, family or clergyperson, and find it helpful to talk with a professional therapist who can provide a trained and objective view. A psychotherapist can help individuals to understand themselves better, thereby improving their ability to make important life decisions and increased life satisfaction.
The best way to make the decision to enter psychotherapy is to schedule an appointment with a qualified psychologist or social worker and discuss what you want to accomplish. A good therapist will not simply tell you that you need psychotherapy, but will talk with you about ways that therapy can or cannot help.

If I think someone needs psychotherapy, how do I get him or her to try it? Top
It never hurts to be honest. If you are worried about someone and think that psychotherapy might help, be straightforward and tell the person about your concerns. Of course, you cannot force someone to benefit from psychotherapy. While you may be able to force an individual to attend, therapy works best when the patient wants to try to work on his or her problems.

What should I do if someone is threatening suicide? Top
Always take this seriously, even if you think the person is just seeking attention. It is a mistake to believe that a person who is talking about suicide will not do it. If someone you know is hinting at suicide, do not be afraid to question him or her about it. Many suicidal individuals are relieved when they are finally able to tell someone about their thoughts. Make sure that the person is seen as soon as possible at your local emergency room for an evaluation.

What is the difference between therapy and self-help groups? Top
In therapy, you can expect confidentiality, and both expert and experienced guidance in working through your difficulties. Self-help groups can also be helpful, but your confidentiality cannot be ensured, and nonprofessional members guide the discussions. Self-help groups are often useful because individuals are able to share their experiences and resources with others having similar problems. Your therapist can help you in identifying self-help group options and evaluating their potential usefulness.

What kind of services does BHN offer besides individual therapy? Top
Because of our large number of therapists, BHN offers a wide variety of treatment modalities in addition to individual therapy. These include group, family, and couples counseling, play therapy for children and psycho-education programs in a range of specialty areas.

For what kinds of problems should I seek therapy? Top
You should consider therapy if you are experiencing fears, anxieties, depression, excessive anger or other emotions beyond the everyday ups and downs of life. Additionally, consider therapy if you are experiencing severe relationship conflicts or recurring emotions or behaviors that interfere with your functioning at work, school or home.

What are the differences between a Psychologist, a Clinical Social Worker and a Psychiatrist? Top
A psychologist holds either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) degree. A psychiatrist holds a M.D., or Doctor of Medicine degree.

A psychologist completes coursework and supervised training in psychotherapy, research, psychological testing, and consultation. An internship and a doctoral thesis are also required. The process usually takes five years beyond the bachelor's degree. In New York, an additional year of supervised clinical experience after the Ph.D. is required for licensure.

A clinical social worker holds a MSW degree (Master's Degree in Social Work). The Masters Program requires two years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. It includes both academic coursework and supervised clinical training. In addition, social workers who specialize in clinical work have six years of supervised post-master's experience in a clinical setting, such as a psychiatric facility, a community mental health agency, or a family counseling agency, and receive the CSW-R designation (Registered Clinical Social Worker).

A psychiatrist attends medical school, usually for four years, completes a medical internship, and then takes a psychiatry residency, which may involve an additional three years. Since psychiatrists are also physicians, they can prescribe medicine.

Which type of professional is best - psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist? Top
For psychotherapy and counseling, the "best" therapist is the one who has training and experience specific to your concerns - and with whom you feel comfortable. The Therapist Profile pages of this site provide information about each BHN therapist's training and special interests.

There are special skills unique to each of the professions, however. For example, Psychologists are able to utilize psychological tests to help understand a person's problems. Social workers have expertise in utilizing community resources for additional support services to enhance treatment. Psychiatrists may prescribe medicine, since they are physicians.

Is there a BHN therapist near where I live or work? Top
Since each BHN therapist is an independent practitioner, clients have a great variety of locations from which to choose in Western New York. There are member offices in Amherst, Lockport, Williamsville, Springville, Grand Island, Buffalo, and other localities throughout Western New York State. You can search this site by location, and find specific office addresses in the Provider Profile pages.

How do I make an appointment? Top
There are two general ways of contacting BHN members. If you need help in selecting a therapist, call the BHN Central Intake phone number (716.633.9100) to receive a referral to a BHN therapist in your area. Alternatively, you can contact provides directly to discuss their services. Phone numbers and other contact information are included in the Provider Profile pages.

Do I need a referral from my medical doctor? Top
If you plan to have your medical insurance plan pay for some or all treatment costs, you may need to contact your insurance company or family doctor prior to the first appointment. Some HMOs and PPOs require that they be contacted prior to your visit. The rules are different for each insurance company, and may be different for employer's programs within a given insurance company. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company to clarify their requirements. BHN therapists can often guide you regarding the requirements of your insurance company when you call for an initial appointment.

How much does it cost for treatment? Top
All BHN members participate with some insurance plans, and some participate with most. If the therapist participates, at least a portion of the cost of treatment will be paid for by the insurance company. In most cases you will be required to pay a co-payment. Co-pay amounts differ among insurance plans, but are often more than regular medical visit co-pays. Additionally, most plans limit the number of paid visits on a yearly basis. Most plans limit the number of visits they approve to only address acute care, although they may advertise a larger benefit.

Some clients prefer to pay for mental health services without using their insurance. This offers more privacy, since insurance companies usual require a "review" of clients' diagnosis and progress in treatment in order to authorize more than a few sessions. Since all medical services paid using insurance are reported to a general clearinghouse of medical information, it is possible that the insurance company may use this information for other purposes.

How long does treatment take? Top
This depends on the nature of the concerns being presented. Occasionally, a consultation for one or two visits helps a client clarify his or her problems sufficiently to be helpful. However, when clients want to address complex problems or address lifelong behavior patterns, it requires longer treatment.

What is a Developmental Disability? Top
Five types of syndromes are grouped in this category; mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and neurological impairments. To be considered a developmental disability, symptoms must have emerged during childhood or adolescence, and the impairment must interfere significantly in the clients' day-to-day functioning. When children experience such impairments, they may not learn as many ways of coping as they might otherwise. While developmental disabilities are not "curable," there are therapeutic interventions that can help clients and their families function better and have a better quality of life.

Are there different kinds of therapy? Top
Yes. There are different therapy approaches based on the nature of the problems presented. Individual treatment is usually indicated if the problems largely involve a client's inner feelings or beliefs that are interfering with daily functioning or life satisfaction. Group counseling is often the treatment of choice for treating clients who are experiencing difficulty with relating to others, and for specific problems for which group support is important. Couples, marital or family counseling is selected when treatment focuses on resolving conflicts and enhancing these relationships. Children often receive play therapy, which is play-based interaction with the therapist to help them express and resolve their feelings.

Within these approaches are many specific therapy techniques employed. Therapists differ somewhat in their approach and the techniques they employ. Some focus more on achieving self-understanding, others more specifically on changing maladaptive thinking, others emphasize interpersonal communication, and others concentrate more on behavior change. Most therapists use a combination of these approaches to help their clients.

How do I get help for an alcohol, drug, gambling or other addiction? Top
Some BHN therapists provide consultation and treatment services for persons with these addictions and/or their families. See the Provider Profile pages. Consultation with the doctor of a client with an alcohol or drug addiction is often important to evaluate and monitor his or her medical status. A referral to an inpatient or outpatient alcohol and drug detoxification program may be required, as may be inpatient rehabilitation.

Outpatient treatment is most often best provided by licensed alcoholism/drug treatment clinics, although less advanced disorders may be treated by an individual provider. In such cases, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous self-help group attendance is usually encouraged. Individual providers, including several BHN providers, may also provide marital and family counseling, and therapy for spouses and children, to address the impact of these addictions on family functioning.

The treatment of gambling addictions is generally not covered by insurance. Most communities have specialized clinics as well as Gamblers Anonymous self-help groups designed to serve these individuals. As with the other addictions, BHN therapists may provide therapy to family members and others coping with the consequences of a gambling addiction.

How does talk therapy work? Top
Talk therapy works in several ways. Through gaining greater understanding of the sources of their feelings and thoughts, clients can resolve painful memories, develop more effective ways to deal with their feelings, and avoid past pitfalls. Through understanding how their thoughts and beliefs limit their potential, clients can be freed to develop new coping skills and seek new possibilities. Through improved interpersonal communication, individuals, couples, and families can experience reduced conflict and enhanced relating.

How do I know if I should choose medication or counseling? Top
Both counseling and medication have benefits and risks. Counseling alone is often sufficient to meet clients' needs. However, if a person is experiencing severe symptoms, including hallucinations, the significant misinterpretation of reality, or overwhelming anxiety or depression, medications are likely necessary to stabilize the person so that he or she may benefit from counseling. Most often, though, a mental health professional can address "problems of living" through counseling without medication. Your BHN therapist will discuss the need for a medication evaluation based on your symptoms, and can assist you with accessing medication from a psychiatrist or your family doctor.

How do I pick a therapist? Top
A good therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is extremely important for treatment to succeed. Ask friends, relatives, your physician or others for recommendations based on their experiences. You can also review the Provider Profile section of this site for brief biographies of BHN therapists and their specializations. Therapy involves your sharing personal and sensitive information about yourself, so you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose.

What is confidentiality and why is it important? Top
Confidentiality means that what is talked about in a counseling session stays private between the client and the therapist. Knowing that the conversation is private helps clients feel more comfortable in talking about sensitive personal matters. Therapists are legally required to violate confidentiality when they suspect child or elder abuse or neglect, an imminent suicide or homicide risk, or when a court order compels them to release clinical records. It should be noted that Courts rarely require the release of records, this usually involving the investigation of serious crimes.

What makes the Behavioral Healthcare Network (BHN) special? Top
The experience, quality, and range of services offered by its providers make BHN special. BHN includes 35 psychologists, social workers, and seven affiliates who, in 1994, developed an interconnected system of experienced, skillful clinicians in Western New York. With more than 500 work-years to our cumulative credit, each BHN provider is personally committed to independent practice at the highest level of professional competence and ethical standards. As a network of clinicians, we offer clients the benefits of a streamlined system to access services, and a range of high quality and comprehensive services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

When does a child need therapy? Top
Whether a child needs therapy depends on how severely distressed the child is, how long the distress has continued, the child's particular strengths for handling problems, and the availability of supportive relationships with adults. Although some view children as more adaptable than adults and less affected by problems, children are frequently more vulnerable to the negative impact of problems in their environment. Children often have fewer coping skills and less control over themselves and their environment. They may not be able to describe their concerns verbally, and may instead, express themselves through their behavior or by withdrawing. Their distress can be expressed through many behavioral symptoms including sleep, eating, or toileting problems; irritability or prolonged moodiness; physical complaints; personality change; disregard for their personal safety; conflicts with others; and acting younger or older than their age. Child therapists can assess the need for therapy. If recommended, the goal of therapy is to resolve symptoms and assist the child to resume his or her positive growth and development.

What if the school says my child needs help? Top
When school personnel express concern about a child, it generally means that they are observing behaviors that differ in some way from that of most other same-age children. These behaviors may differ in type, severity, or frequency. School behavioral problems may relate to the child's school environment, home environment, social environment, or factors related to all of these environments. Problems in school are often observed in impaired learning, social-emotional conflicts or defiance with peers and adults, or these problems in combination.